Subject ellipsis in English

English is probably least known as a language in which subject ellipsis in finite clauses may occur, given its extensive use of a dummy subject to keep the subject position filled. Subject ellipsis is a common phenomenon for pro-drop languages by definition, since the identity of the subject is morphologically shown by the verbal inflection. However, despite little presence of this subject-verb agreement in English, subject ellipsis is, in fact, a common phenomenon in conversation and casual letters. Based on a small corpus analysis, this paper delineates various features, constraints and connotations surrounding subject ellipsis in English from the viewpoint of syntax, semantics, and pragmatics. Subject ellipsis occurs in the casual register with first person as the predominant referent, but is also triggered mainly by anaphora and conventional expressions. While subject ellipsis under anaphora is restricted to occur immediately after the sentence with the referent, in conventional expressions it occurs without locational constraints, often implying evasive and dismissive motives and therefore discouraging responses. Moreover, it is often claimed that the prerequisite for subject ellipsis is recoverability of the referent and that anaphora, of which ellipsis is a part, creates discourse coherence. This study concludes that while recoverability must be maintained for subject ellipsis to emerge, discourse coherence is, on the contrary, often suspended by subject ellipsis. (C) 2003 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.